The First Iron Law of Brussels is simple enough to be learnt by rote: Europe proposes, Angela Merkel disposes. Little wonder then that Britain and some of its less-than-solid allies are dismayed by Chancellor Merkel’s suggestion that she can bulldoze through her supposed favourite, Jean-Claude Juncker, as president of the European Commission.

If the German leader says she can make something happen then she means it. The Luxembourger, once a favourite of Helmut Kohl, could be elected into office by a qualified majority of the 28 EU states. And since Mr Juncker and Ms Merkel come from parties that rank